The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) is now accepting applications for its 2027 Graduate Program.
Our award-winning 12-month program gives graduates the opportunity to build their skills through structured learning, professional development and hands-on experience across a range of teams.
Applications close at 9.00 am on Monday 31 August 2026 (AWST).
Why join us?
The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage plays a key role in shaping communities, managing land and protecting heritage across Western Australia.
As a graduate, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that influences how communities grow, supports responsible land management and helps preserve places of cultural and heritage significance.
Our graduates work alongside experienced professionals, gain exposure to diverse projects and build skills that support a successful long-term career in the public sector.
About the Graduate Program
Our Graduate Program is a structured 12-month development program designed to help graduates transition successfully from university into the workplace.
The program includes:
- Four, three-month rotational placements across business areas
- professional learning and development opportunities
- mentoring and coaching
- networking opportunities
- on-the-job experience
- support from managers and colleagues.
Graduates, subject to successful completion of a 12-month probationary period, are employed on a permanent basis and continue their career with the Department.
Graduate streams
We are currently recruiting graduates across five streams:
Land Use Planning
Show moreRelevant disciplines include:
- urban and regional planning
- planning and development
- approved equivalent disciplines.
Heritage and Property Services
Show moreRelevant disciplines include:
- anthropology
- archaeology.
Land Use Management
Show moreRelevant disciplines include:
- environmental science
- property management
- agricultural science
- related disciplines.
Strategy and Engagement
Show moreRelevant disciplines include:
- GIS
- civil engineering
- traffic engineering
- transport engineering
- planning
- related disciplines.
Business and Corporate Services
Show moreRelevant disciplines include:
- human resources
- people and culture
- related disciplines.
What we're looking for
We are seeking graduates who demonstrate:
- adaptability and a willingness to learn
- strong communication and interpersonal skills
- sound judgement and problem-solving abilities
- a commitment to collaboration and positive outcomes
- behaviours aligned to the WA Public Sector Leadership Expectations – Personal Leadership.
Eligibility
To apply, you must:
- have completed, or be completing, a tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline between 2025 and 2026, or be completing your final year of study in 2026
- be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- be available to commence full-time employment in February 2027.
Print this page
